Y-Kids at Whiting Elementary School

The Whiting Elementary School provides its students with an exciting and vibrant program based upon educational research. An interdisciplinary approach to instruction is used which helps to make our programs meaningful and relevant for children. In addition to reading/language, mathematics, social studies and science, our students have the opportunity to participate in the fine arts, vocal music, instrumental music and art as well as physical education activities and recreational sports. World language instruction is being taught in Kindergarten through 5th grades. Technology has become an integral part of our instructional program through the use of computers, multi-media resources and calculators. Each elementary school has its own computer lab.

We recognize that it takes more than school staff to ensure that our children receive an excellent education. We have developed a comprehensive volunteer program which includes parents, senior citizen volunteers, community members, business partnerships and high school students. Our volunteers enable us to provide a great deal of individual attention to our children. To add a sense of community within the school, we have “book buddies,” “pen pals,” and “peer tutors” between older and younger students. Our staff also serves as mentors to many of our students. In addition, all Grades 1 – 5 students and staff participate in our “families” program once per month.

We are very proud of our school and our activities and have been recognized by the NJ Department of Education for our Wildcat Banking Program as a Best Practice. We were recognized in 2002 and 2003 as the Small School Site for the Reading is Fundamental Challenge. Our children are encouraged to participate in community service through our Junior Impact Club. Students are also challenged to support academic excellence through our Chess Club as well as our Broadcast News Program. Our outdoor garden and weather station provide numerous opportunities for hands-on authentic learning experiences. Student art work is displayed every year in our local library at our Art Show. Our youngsters also perform at senior villages and the local nursing homes to support our intergenerational programs.

We want every child to know that he/she is a special, unique individual who is an integral part of our school community. Our efforts are designed to assist children to develop a sense of curiosity and a life-long love for learning.

It is our goal that each child reaches his/her academic potential.

The staff at Whiting Elementary School has continued to review, update and revise curriculum, programs and methods of assessment. As part of this process, faculty meetings and grade level meetings address the core curriculum standards approved by the Department of Education, including the newly revised standards.

District curriculum committees continue to analyze the core curriculum content standards and the district’s adopted curricula. As the committees work, the curriculum is being revised and updated to ensure that all of the standards are included. Since Manchester Township’s curriculum is based upon research and many of the standards established by professional education organizations, we believe that our staff and our programs will enable us to successfully deliver New Jersey’s standards to our students.

We have continuously raised our academic expectations and believe that we are preparing our students to meet with success in the future.